July was soccer, soccer soccer!!!!! The boys were obsessed with the world cup. We went to watch parties, and watched the 20 minute recap of every game in the 16 knockout and on. Brad went to a trading conference in Switzerland and had a blast driving around the Alps in a convertible. Carter insisted on trying Burger King and loved the crowns. We cheered on the USA beating Bosnia and celebrated with Mexican hotdogs- which Jefferson declared "now there is no point eating an American hot dog". We decorated Carter's bike and dressed up Bella for the 4th of July. We did a treasure hunt and watched National Treasure at the park. And on the 4th of July we went to our neighborhood breakfast and Carter rode his bike in the parade. We watched fireworks at the Bees game with our friends. We watched the Mexico vs England game inside the Real stadium and cheered in spanish "si se puede" and watched the USA vs. Belgiam game with our Jefferson cousins at a Chili's after the boys did a soccer camp. We measured Carter's 8 year old height and made 80 baptism cookies. Carter had a very sweet baptism and then a fun Ninjago birthday party with a donut tower instead of cake. Possibly the easiest birthday party we have ever done! We decided to take a break from our basement living (because of the remodel) and took a Bear Lake vacation. We decided summer is all about an ice cream circuit- aggie blue mint and bear lake raspberry shakes always bring smiles! When we got to Bear Lake it was super windy and the waves on the lake looked like the ocean. We all had a blast jumping waves and playing football. The next day we relaxed at the lake and the boys made sand castles- complete with a moat. Our Jefferson cousins came up for the night and after a delicious Indian dinner we played frisby in the lake and watched the sun set. The next day was paddleboard fun and a raspberry shake before we headed home. Jefferson said "mama, why didn't you get a place for 5 days." Bear lake is becoming an essential part of our summer! The boys had fun building Carter's lego military boat and we finished the flag football season. The boys had a great time playing football for the first time. We also finished our skating classes and the boys are excited for hockey next summer. We went to country night at the Bee's game and had the best view for fireworks. The boys were even given a "250 USA" bees baseball by a worker. And then the moment the boys waited for all summer arrived- the world cup championship game. Jefferson made his own bracket as he followed the tournament. Carter was for Espana and said "I'm so worried for Lamine Yamal" the night before. Carter even made special signs to cheer on Espana. Jefferson was for Argentina because he is a faithful Messi fan and dressed in his Messi jersey. And Brad and I leaned Espana but were excited to see a great game. Carter was ecstatic when Espana won and waved his signs! It's crazy how much soccer they watched and played this summer. They even made their own yellow and red cards for their own soccer games. We took a little field trip to the new temple square visitor center and met up with cousins to see the Days of 47 floats- their favorite was the Minecraft float and of course Carter requested a soccer ball for his balloon creation. Carter completed the 5 mile bike ride challenge- next challenge 10 miles! Jefferson went to boys camp and Carter had a cousin sleepover with Inez and Liam- all 8 years old and so imaginative. Jefferson had a great time at camp but said he missed the food from home. He said "can I get the recipes we use and can you teach me how to make them"- win! We had another cousin fieldtrip to the BYU museum to see Lorenzo Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise and then had a swimming party. Jane and Hannah came home with us for the ABBA concert and a cousin sleepover. It was a full, fun July!!!
